Your Ultimate Prep Guide to Nursing School Entrance Exams

One test score can decide whether a nursing program even reviews your transcript, regardless of your GPA. Nearly every ADN, BSN, and accelerated BSN program in the country requires applicants to clear a standardized entrance exam, most often the ATI TEAS or the HESI A2, before an admissions committee looks at anything else.

The tension is straightforward: these exams compress years of prerequisite coursework, reading comprehension, and science literacy into a single four-hour sitting, and a weak science subscore can sink an otherwise strong application even when overall grades are competitive.

With roughly 40 percent of test-takers retaking the TEAS at least once, preparation, not raw aptitude, tends to separate accepted applicants from waitlisted ones.

TEAS vs HESI: Key Differences and Which You'll Take

Which nursing entrance exam should you study for: the TEAS or the HESI A2? The answer depends almost entirely on where you plan to apply. About 60 percent of nursing programs nationwide require the ATI TEAS, while roughly 40 percent use the HESI A2. Your target school's admissions page will specify which test you need, so start there before investing weeks of study time in the wrong exam.¹

Test Structure and Timing

Both exams assess readiness for nursing coursework, but they differ significantly in length and format.

The ATI TEAS contains 170 questions and allows 209 minutes (about three and a half hours) to complete. It covers four content areas: Reading, Mathematics, Science, and English and Language Usage. Every test-taker answers the same number of questions in the same sections.

The HESI A2 is more variable. Depending on what your school requires, you may face up to 326 questions across eight possible sections: Anatomy and Physiology, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension, and Physics. Some programs only assign four or five of these sections, while others require all eight. Total testing time ranges from 240 to 300 minutes (four to five hours), again depending on how many sections your school mandates.

Registration and Costs

Registering for the TEAS is straightforward: you create an account through ATI Testing, select a testing location or remote proctoring option, and pay between $80 and $115. The exact fee varies by testing site.

The HESI A2 registration process is school-specific. You typically schedule through your prospective nursing program, which administers the exam via Elsevier's platform. Costs range from $35 to $100, making the HESI generally less expensive, though fees vary by institution.¹

Scoring and Retake Policies

Both exams use a percentage-based scale from 0 to 100 percent. However, their retake rules differ considerably:

• TEAS retakes: You must wait at least 14 days between attempts and are limited to three total attempts.
• HESI A2 retake: The waiting period is longer at 60 days, and most programs cap you at two attempts.

These restrictions matter for planning. If you score below your target school's cutoff on the TEAS, you can retest relatively quickly. A disappointing HESI score means a two-month wait before trying again.

Which Exam Is More Common?

If you are applying to multiple programs, you may encounter both exams. Community colleges and state university nursing programs frequently require the TEAS. Many private universities and hospital-affiliated programs lean toward the HESI A2. When possible, prioritize schools that accept the same exam to streamline your preparation.

Before purchasing any study materials, confirm your required exam directly with each program's admissions office. Requirements can change between application cycles, and investing in TEAS prep books when you need the HESI wastes both time and money.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Other Nursing Entrance Exams: PAX, Kaplan, NET, and NEX

At least four additional entrance exams are used by U.S. nursing programs beyond the TEAS and HESI A2, and knowing which one your school requires can save you weeks of misdirected study time. While the TEAS and HESI dominate the market, the NLN NEX, Kaplan Nursing School Entrance Exam, Nursing Entrance Test (NET), and the now-discontinued NLN PAX each serve specific program types and student populations.

NLN Nursing Entrance Exam (NEX)

The NEX is the current offering from the National League for Nursing and replaces the older PAX-RN. It contains 163 questions (145 scored and 18 unscored pilot items) spread across three 60-minute sections: Verbal, Mathematics, and Science. Each section covers content you would expect from a college-readiness exam, including reading comprehension, algebra, ratios, biology, chemistry, and anatomy and physiology. Scores are reported as percentile ranks for each section, and a composite score ranging from 0 to 300¹ is calculated by adding those three percentile values together. There is no universal passing score; each program sets its own minimum.

The NEX is most commonly required by community colleges, hospital-based diploma schools, and selected university programs offering pre-licensure RN or LPN/VN tracks. If your school lists the "NLN exam" as a requirement, this is almost certainly the test they mean. Students exploring LPN to BSN bridge programs may also encounter the NEX at the admissions stage.

Kaplan Nursing School Entrance Exam

The Kaplan exam is used by selected private colleges, universities, and some community colleges that partner with Kaplan for test administration. It covers four areas: Reading, Mathematics, Science (with emphasis on physiology and body systems), and Writing/Language Usage. Total testing time runs roughly two to three hours, with individual sections lasting between 30 and 60 minutes³. Results are reported as percentage scores by section and as an overall composite average. Schools typically require a minimum composite between 60 and 70 percent³, though competitive programs may expect higher marks.

Nursing Entrance Test (NET)

The NET was once a popular option at associate degree and practical nursing programs, but it is now rarely used. Most schools that previously relied on it have migrated to the TEAS, HESI, or NEX. When offered, the NET tests reading, vocabulary, mathematics, and basic science, with academic sections taking approximately two to two and a half hours². Some versions also include untimed learning-style and stress-level inventories used for advising rather than admissions scoring. Programs that still use the NET usually require at least 60 to 65 percent in reading and math².

NLN PAX-RN (Discontinued)

The PAX-RN was the predecessor to the NEX and tested verbal skills, mathematics, and science across roughly 160 to 214 questions². Many ADN and diploma programs set their cutoff at or above the 50th percentile on each section. If you see the PAX listed on an older program webpage, confirm with the admissions office whether the school has transitioned to the NEX, because in most cases it has.

How to Know Which Exam You Need

The simplest approach is to check your target program's admissions page or contact the nursing department directly. Some schools accept more than one exam, giving you flexibility to choose the test that best fits your strengths. Keep in mind that scores from one exam generally cannot substitute for another unless the program explicitly allows it, so verify before you register.

Subject-By-Subject Breakdown: What to Expect on Test Day

Nursing entrance exams have shifted toward measuring applied reasoning and information synthesis, a change most visible in the ATI TEAS 7's redesigned science and reading sections. While every exam covers the same four core areas below, the question formats and depth of knowledge required can vary. Understanding how each subject is tested will sharpen your preparation.

Reading Comprehension

Expect paragraph-length passages followed by questions that ask you to identify the main idea, infer logical conclusions, recognize the author's purpose, or evaluate the strength of an argument. Passages reflect college-level texts and healthcare-related topics. The HESI A2 also includes vocabulary-in-context items. Time pressure is moderate, but careful reading is essential.

• Quick tip: Read the questions first to know what details to hunt for as you work through the passage.

Mathematics

Topics span basic arithmetic, algebra, ratios and proportions, measurement conversions, and data interpretation from charts and graphs. Most questions are multiple choice with a single correct answer; the TEAS also includes a few fill-in-the-blank calculation items. A four-function calculator may be provided, but not all exams allow one.

• Quick tip: Memorize key formulas (calculating geometric quantities, percent change, metric conversions) because reference sheets are rarely permitted.

Science

This is the longest and most heavily weighted section on exams like the TEAS and Kaplan. The TEAS 7 blueprint includes 50 science questions, with a strong emphasis on human anatomy and physiology, alongside biology, chemistry, and scientific reasoning. The HESI A2 breaks science into separate subtests for anatomy and physiology, biology, and chemistry. Questions often require you to apply knowledge to clinical scenarios or explain cause-and-effect relationships rather than simply recall facts.

• Quick tip: Prioritize anatomy and physiology systems (cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous) and understand how they interact: pure memorization of isolated facts will not be enough.

English and Language Usage

Expect grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and vocabulary questions: you may need to choose the correctly punctuated sentence, identify parts of speech, or analyze various sentence structures. The HESI adds paragraph comprehension and vocabulary to this area, while the TEAS folds reading into a separate section.

• Quick tip: Review common grammar errors (subject-verb agreement, pronoun case, and comma splices) and practice editing short passages.

Why Science Mastery Separates Top Scorers

Because many applicants arrive with similar reading and math skills, the science section often creates the widest score gaps. Programs that use composite scores still pay close attention to the science subscore, especially for competitive admission. Build a deep, conceptual understanding of foundational biology and chemistry before drilling A&P details: this base lets you reason through unfamiliar scenarios on test day.

Score Requirements and What Counts as Competitive

A TEAS composite score of 70% or higher is widely considered competitive for ADN programs across the country. Nursing schools evaluate entrance exam results alongside prerequisites and GPA, and score expectations rise with program selectivity. Understanding the typical thresholds for your target degree level, whether you're exploring entry-level nursing pathways, helps you set a realistic study goal and gauge where you stand before applying.

ADN Programs (TEAS)

When weighing ADN versus BSN program options, Associate Degree in Nursing programs generally set TEAS minimums between 55% and 65%. While a score in that window may meet the application floor, competitive applicants often clear 70% or better. Schools like HACC, Southeastern Community College, and many California community colleges including Cuyamaca College² publish exam benchmarks in this range. A composite score above 70% can strengthen your file at institutions that rank candidates by academic metrics.

BSN Programs (TEAS)

Traditional BSN programs are more selective, with minimum TEAS thresholds typically between 65% and 75%. At public universities such as Texas State, Texas Woman's University, and the University of Houston, published admission data shows that admitted students frequently present composite scores of 80% and above. Aiming for the 80th percentile or higher not only meets published cutoffs but positions you favorably in holistic reviews.

Accelerated BSN Programs (TEAS)

When choosing between traditional BSN and accelerated BSN options, fast-track BSN pathways expect strong evidence of readiness, and TEAS minimums often land between 70% and 80%. Competitive candidates in these high-demand programs routinely post scores of 85% or above. Because accelerated cohorts move through material quickly, admission committees put extra weight on exam performance, particularly in science and reading sections.

HESI A2 Programs

The HESI A2 is widely used by both ADN and BSN programs, and competitive scores usually fall in the 75% to 80% range or higher.¹ While some schools have no published minimum, many admittees present composite figures above 80%. High section scores in anatomy and physiology, math, and reading comprehension can offset a borderline overall percentage at institutions that evaluate sub-scores closely. Checking each program's most recent class profile reveals the current standard.

Because requirements shift year to year, always verify the specific exam and score expectations listed on your target programs' nursing admissions pages. A score that is adequate at one school may fall short at another, so treat published averages as your baseline for a competitive application.

How to Build a Winning 8-Week Prep Plan

Eight weeks is enough time to cover every content area, build test-taking stamina, and refine weak spots before exam day. The schedule below works for the TEAS, HESI A2, or any other nursing entrance exam; for TEAS-specific strategies, review our top 10 TEAS study tips and swap in the specific subtopics your test covers.

Weeks 1 and 2: Anchor the High-Yield Content

Anatomy and physiology (A&P) and math fundamentals carry the most weight on both the TEAS and HESI, so front-load them. During the first two weeks, focus on body systems (cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, nervous) and core math skills like fractions, ratios, percentages, and dosage-style word problems. Read through the relevant chapters in your official study guide, then reinforce with flashcards each evening. Even 20 minutes of spaced repetition with digital flashcard apps can dramatically improve recall.

Weeks 3 and 4: Layer in Reading and Vocabulary

Shift your primary focus to reading comprehension strategies and vocabulary. Practice identifying main ideas, drawing inferences, and distinguishing between fact and opinion in short passages. For HESI test-takers, add dedicated vocabulary and grammar sessions. Continue reviewing A&P and math for about 30 minutes a day so earlier material stays fresh.

At the end of week 4, take your first full-length practice test under timed conditions. This baseline score tells you exactly where to direct the second half of your prep.

Weeks 5 and 6: Target Weak Areas and Add Science Depth

Review your practice test results section by section. Whatever fell below the score you need deserves the most study time now. If biology or chemistry sections are part of your exam, this is the window to cover cell structure, basic genetics, chemical reactions, and the periodic table. Combine resources for variety:

• Official study guides: Use the ATI TEAS Study Manual or the Elsevier HESI Admission Assessment Exam Review as your primary text, and supplement with our TEAS test review guide.
• Free online practice: Supplement with no-cost quizzes and video explanations available on educational platforms.
• Flashcards: Continue building and reviewing decks, especially for terminology-heavy topics.

Week 7: Full Practice Tests and Timed Review

Take two more full-length practice tests on separate days, each under realistic timed conditions. After every test, spend at least an hour reviewing every question you missed or guessed on. Write a brief note explaining why the correct answer is right; this active review cements the concept far better than passive rereading.

Week 8: Polish, Rest, and Build Confidence

During the final week, scale back to lighter review sessions. Revisit your flashcards, skim highlighted notes, and do one short timed quiz every other day. Avoid cramming the night before. Instead, prepare your testing materials (valid ID, confirmation email, approved calculator if applicable), get a full night of sleep, and arrive early.

This eight-week framework is flexible. If you have more time, stretch weeks 1 through 4 into a longer foundation phase. If you have less, compress the schedule but keep the same priority order: A&P and math first, reading and vocabulary second, targeted weak-area review third, and full practice tests before exam day.

Best Prep Resources for Nursing Entrance Exams

Walking into test day with only a borrowed review book is very different from following a structured, multi-source prep plan. The difference often shows in the score report: one approach leaves gaps in content coverage and test-taking strategy, while the other builds confidence through targeted practice and exposure to the exam's actual format. Smart preparation starts with gathering the right materials.

Start with the Official Source

The most accurate review materials always come directly from the test makers. For the TEAS, ATI Testing publishes a comprehensive study manual, full-length practice tests, and online prep packages that mirror the actual exam interface. Prices and package options are listed plainly on their website, so you can compare what fits your budget and timeline. For the HESI A2, Elsevier offers an admission assessment study guide and an online practice test bank that covers each subject area. Beginning with the official resources ensures that every practice question aligns with the test blueprint, giving you an authentic preview of question style, timing, and difficulty.

Top-Rated Study Guides and Books

After securing the official base, many students layer on a third-party guide for alternative explanations and extra practice. Major online book retailers carry a wide selection of nursing entrance exam prep books, and reader reviews can quickly steer you toward the most reliable options. Search for titles like "ATI TEAS Secrets Study Guide" or "HESI A2 Study Guide 2024-2025" and sort by average star rating, aiming for guides that maintain a four-star rating or higher across hundreds of reviews. Look inside the sample pages to check that the practice questions come with detailed answer rationales, not just answer keys, because understanding why an answer is correct builds the clinical reasoning skills nursing schools expect.

Free Materials from Nursing Schools

Community college and university nursing program websites are an underused goldmine of free prep tools. Many admissions departments post sample questions, recommended study checklists, or links to free online practice modules right inside their "How to Apply" or "Entrance Exam" pages. Visiting the sites of three to five programs you are considering can uncover a surprising amount of no-cost material, sometimes including recorded information sessions where faculty discuss what they look for in competitive scores.

Community Insights and Professional Organizations

Professional nursing associations, such as the National League for Nursing, occasionally publish test-preparation resources or links to continuing education modules that reinforce foundational knowledge tested on entrance exams. Beyond formal organizations, online forums like AllNurses and Reddit's r/StudentNurse provide real user reviews of prep courses, study schedules, and recently updated guides. These communities can flag which books have kept pace with the latest exam version and which online platforms currently offer the most responsive practice analytics. By comparing advice from multiple commenters, you can avoid investing time in materials that are outdated or poorly aligned with today's tests.

Exam Costs and Financial Assistance

How much should you actually budget for a nursing entrance exam once you factor in registration, study materials, and possible retakes? For most applicants in 2026, the true out-of-pocket total is well above the sticker price of the test itself.

Registration Fees for the TEAS and HESI A2

The standard ATI TEAS exam fee is $120 in 2026¹, though total costs typically reach $120 to $150 after administrative fees. Institutional fees for proctoring the TEAS generally fall between $70 and $110, with additional administrative fees of $10 to $40 depending on the testing site². Sales tax applies in some states, adding to the final price².

Actual prices at several schools illustrate the range:

• Otero College: $120
• San José State University: $120
• Augusta University: $117
• Missouri Western State University: $117
• Arizona State University: $98
• South University (via FAU Testing): $58 exam fee plus a $38.50 administrative fee

HESI A2 pricing is determined by individual nursing programs rather than a single vendor, typically ranging from $40 to $100 per attempt depending on the school.

Additional and Hidden Fees

Beyond registration, plan for extras. ATI charges roughly $27 to send an additional TEAS transcript to another school², and rescheduling a TEAS appointment costs about $15². If you test at one school but apply to another, transcript fees can stack quickly across multiple applications.

Fee Waivers and Financial Assistance

Formal fee waivers for the TEAS are limited and institution-specific in 2026³. Some nursing programs offer testing vouchers, scholarships, or reimbursement after enrollment, particularly for applicants demonstrating financial need. It is worth asking the nursing admissions office directly whether vouchers or reduced-rate testing sessions are available.

Realistic Total Prep Budget

A realistic all-in estimate for one exam cycle: $120 to $150 for registration, $30 to $80 for a study guide, $40 to $100 for practice tests or an online prep course, and a $27 transcript fee if you apply to more than one program. Most applicants spend between $220 and $400 total on exam preparation, with retakes adding another full registration fee each time, but that's separate from the overall cost of RN programs.

Retake Policies and How Schools Treat Multiple Scores

Retaking an entrance exam can boost your application, but retake limits, waiting periods, and how nursing programs interpret multiple attempts make it a decision that requires careful planning. Understanding the rules upfront helps you avoid surprises and present your strongest possible candidacy.

Understanding Retake Policies

Each exam provider sets its own retake rules. TEAS allows retakes, but a waiting period of at least 30 days between attempts is typical, and the total number of attempts per year may be capped. HESI A2 policies often vary more because schools can customize them; some set a mandatory wait of 30 to 60 days, while others allow only two or three lifetime attempts. Other exams like the Kaplan Nursing Admission Test or the PAX (NLN Pre-Admission Exam) may have shorter waiting windows or allow immediate retakes, though school-specific restrictions can override provider policies. Check the official website of your exam provider for the most current information.

How Schools View Multiple Attempts

Nursing programs differ in how they evaluate multiple scores. The three most common approaches are:

• Best score overall: The program uses your highest total or section scores across all valid attempts. This rewards improvement and encourages retaking the exam if you underperform.
• Most recent score: Only your latest attempt is considered, regardless of whether it is higher or lower. This approach penalizes a careless retake, so retesting without adequate preparation can backfire.
• Superscoring: The program takes your highest score in each section across all attempts and combines them into a single composite. This method is less common but increasingly offered by competitive programs.

Some schools also average multiple scores, though this is rare. Because these policies directly affect your admissions odds, review each program’s admissions page carefully. Program websites typically state how they handle retakes, and you can reach out to admissions counselors for clarification if the policy is unclear.

Comparing Policies Across Programs

When building your list of target schools, make a side-by-side chart of retake rules. Note the maximum number of allowed attempts, any waiting periods, and exactly how scores are combined. This exercise helps you decide where to invest your retake energy. If a school superscores, retaking may be a safer bet; if it uses the most recent attempt, plan to retest only when you are genuinely ready to match or exceed your previous performance. Nursing program directories and forums can provide a starting point for this research, but always verify directly with each institution, as policies shift from year to year.

Accommodations and Support for Test-Takers

At testing centers, accommodations like extra time, separate rooms, and assistive technology are available, but ESL status alone does not qualify for modified testing conditions.¹ Nursing entrance exams offer a range of supports to ensure equal access for test-takers with documented disabilities.

Types of Accommodations Available

Common accommodations across TEAS, HESI A2, PAX, and Kaplan exams include extended testing time (typically 1.5x or 2x), a separate or quiet room, a reader, large-print materials, screen readers, and extra breaks.¹ Assistive technology may also be permitted. For the TEAS, any approved extended time accommodation must be completed within a single day: it cannot be split across multiple days.¹ Pearson VUE testing centers explicitly support pumping and breastfeeding accommodations for nursing exams.²

How to Request Accommodations

The request process depends on the exam and testing location. For the TEAS taken at a PSI center, you upload your documentation directly through the ATI portal.³ Documentation must be on professional letterhead, include a specific diagnosis, describe functional limitations, list recommended accommodations, and carry a provider’s signature.³ For learning disabilities, documentation should be from the last 3 to 5 years.⁴ If you’re taking the TEAS on campus, work through your institution’s disability or accessibility office: expect 2 to 4 weeks for processing. HESI A2 and Kaplan accommodations are typically handled by the campus disability services office in coordination with the nursing department.¹ PAX accommodations require ADA-documented disability.¹

ESL and Non-Traditional Student Support

It’s important to note that being a non-native English speaker does not, by itself, qualify you for extra time or other accommodations on the TEAS, HESI A2, or PAX exams.¹ ESL support generally means accessing separate test-prep resources or language assistance through your school, not modified testing conditions. Non-traditional students, including those working while in nursing school or seeking nursing school accommodations for social anxiety, and students with disabilities should reach out to their institution’s disability services office as early as possible. Many schools offer guidance on navigating the documentation process and can help you understand what accommodations are feasible. Plan ahead: gathering paperwork and getting approvals can take several weeks, so start the process at least a month before your intended test date.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Schools That Don’t Require an Entrance Exam

Not all nursing schools require a standardized entrance exam like the TEAS or HESI. Many accredited programs use holistic admissions that emphasize academic history, personal statements, and healthcare experience rather than a single test score. If you are a strong student in other areas, these schools offer a viable path into nursing without the pressure of a high-stakes exam.

Holistic Review and GPA-Focused Programs

Several universities evaluate candidates primarily through transcripts and narratives.² California State University , Fullerton, for example, uses a holistic review that weighs your GPA, personal statement, and life experiences. Northern Illinois University sets a prerequisite GPA threshold of 2.75 and makes decisions based on your academic record alone. Oregon Health & Science University expects at least a 3.0 GPA but also considers essays and direct patient-care hours, rewarding applicants who demonstrate clinical exposure.

Michigan State University simply looks at your prerequisite GPA. Wayne State University and Oakland University, both in Michigan, add essays and references to the mix, making strong writing and solid recommendations essential. In Arkansas, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock combines a GPA between 2.75 and 3.0 with a required essay, giving weight to your narrative as much as your numbers.

Direct Admit and Accelerated Pathways

Some institutions bypass nursing-specific entrance exams entirely because they admit students directly from high school or through accelerated second-degree tracks.³ The University of Texas at Austin uses SAT or ACT scores and high school records for admission into its nursing major, treating the process like any other undergraduate program. Drexel University’s accelerated BSN, a popular option for second career nursing programs, expects a prior bachelor’s degree and a strong GPA, along with references, but no TEAS or HESI. Similarly, the University of South Florida requires a bachelor’s degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA for its accelerated path.

Online and Multi-Campus Alternatives

For those seeking flexibility, online and multi-campus schools often have their own placement processes. Chamberlain University, with multiple locations nationwide, uses a GPA threshold of 2.75 and an internal placement evaluation instead of a third-party exam. Western Governors University, an online institution, relies on GPA and an interview to assess fit.

A Note of Caution

Admissions policies can change, and some programs may pilot entrance exams in the future. Always confirm current requirements directly with the school’s nursing department. Additionally, avoiding an entrance exam does not guarantee admission; many of these programs are competitive and expect strong grades, compelling essays, and relevant experience, so review our advice on getting accepted into nursing school and strengthen every component of your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to some of the most common questions prospective nursing students ask about entrance exams. Because policies and requirements change, always confirm details directly with your target nursing programs and the official testing organizations.

What is the difference between the TEAS and HESI exam?

Both exams assess readiness for nursing school, but they differ in structure, content emphasis, and publisher. The TEAS is published by ATI and tends to weight science and reading comprehension heavily, while the HESI A2 is published by Elsevier and may include additional modules such as personality and learning style assessments. Each nursing program decides which exam it requires. For an unbiased side-by-side comparison, professional organizations like the NLN (National League for Nursing) and AACN (American Association of Colleges of Nursing) offer helpful overviews of both exams, including preparation tips.

How long should I study for the TEAS or HESI?

Most successful test-takers report studying for roughly six to eight weeks, though the ideal timeline depends on your comfort level with the tested subjects. Students who have been away from math or science coursework for several years may benefit from a longer preparation window. Check several nursing school websites to see what scores they consider competitive, then use that benchmark to gauge how much preparation you need.

What is a passing score for the HESI A2 or TEAS?

There is no single universal passing score for either exam. Each nursing program sets its own minimum and competitive score thresholds, and these can vary widely. Some programs publish their score requirements on their admissions pages, so reviewing multiple school websites is the best way to understand what you are aiming for.

How much does the TEAS exam cost?

Exam fees can change from year to year and may also vary depending on whether you test at a school site or through the publisher's online platform. For the most current pricing, visit the official ATI website for the TEAS or the Elsevier website for the HESI A2. Some testing centers also charge a separate facility fee.

Can I retake the TEAS or HESI if I score low?

Yes, both exams generally allow retakes, but policies on how many attempts you get, how long you must wait between attempts, and whether additional fees apply differ by exam and by testing site. ATI publishes its official retake policy for the TEAS, and Elsevier does the same for the HESI A2. Individual nursing programs may also impose their own limits on how many scores they will accept or which attempt they consider, so confirm with each school directly.

Are there nursing schools that do not require an entrance exam?

Some nursing programs, such as certain accelerated ADN programs, have moved away from standardized entrance exams and instead rely on GPA, prerequisite coursework, interviews, or holistic review. The availability of these programs varies by region and degree level. Searching individual school admissions pages is the most reliable way to identify programs that do not require the TEAS, HESI, or another entrance exam.

Where can I find reliable information about nursing career requirements and job outlook?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov) is an excellent resource for general information about nursing career paths, educational requirements, and employment projections. However, BLS does not cover entrance exam specifics such as test content, costs, or score requirements. For exam details, go directly to ATI (for the TEAS) or Elsevier (for the HESI A2); prepare for the NCLEX-RN with our NCLEX-RN Exam Guide.

How do I request testing accommodations for a nursing entrance exam?

Both ATI and Elsevier have formal processes for requesting accommodations such as extended time, separate testing rooms, or assistive technology. You will typically need to submit documentation of your disability or condition well in advance of your test date. Visit the official exam website for step-by-step instructions, required forms, and submission deadlines. Your nursing program's admissions office can also help guide you through the process.

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